The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of captivating train excursions that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of the North Carolina mountains. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely journey along the Nantahala River, a thrilling steam-powered ride, or a unique themed experience, the Smoky Mountain Rail Ride has something to delight every traveler.
Types of Train Excursions
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad provides several distinct train excursions, each offering a unique perspective on the stunning Smoky Mountain landscape.
Nantahala Gorge Excursion
This 4.5-hour round-trip journey takes passengers along the Nantahala River, with a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Guests can enjoy the serene beauty of the Nantahala Gorge and the opportunity to explore the outdoor recreation hub. This excursion operates from now until October 31, 2024.
Steam Excursions
For a truly immersive experience, the railroad offers steam-powered rides from July 3 to December 2024. Passengers can witness the power and majesty of historic steam locomotives as they wind through the stunning Smoky Mountain landscape.
Tuckasegee River Excursion
This relaxing ride through the countryside showcases the small-town charm of western North Carolina, with a one-hour and 20-minute layover in the quaint town of Dillsboro.
Special Events
The Smoky Mountain Rail Ride also hosts a variety of special events, catering to both adults and families. These include the Carolina Moonshine Experience, Smoky Mountain Beer Run, Uncorked Wine Trains, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, Bunny Hopper Express, and more.
Dining Options
The Smoky Mountain Rail Ride offers several dining options to enhance the overall experience.
| Dining Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Boxed Lunches | Pre-purchased boxed lunches available for Crown and Coach class passengers, packaged picnic-style. |
| Rafting Add-On | Includes a one-way trip to Nantahala Outdoor Center with a guided whitewater rafting trip back. |
| First-Class Dining | Available on select excursions for a more elevated dining experience. |
Special Events and Themed Rides
The Smoky Mountain Rail Ride hosts a variety of special events and themed rides throughout the year, catering to a wide range of interests.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
This popular 1¼ hour round-trip passenger excursion brings the beloved story to life, complete with hot chocolate and a treat for all passengers.
Bunny Hopper Express
A 4.5-hour round-trip special event train with an Easter-themed egg hunt and train activity bag for families.
Uncorked
An all-adult first-class ride featuring wine tastings and a more elevated experience.
Moonshine Experience
An all-adult first-class ride serving handcrafted, triple-distilled moonshine for a unique and immersive journey.
Train Museum and Other Activities
In addition to the train excursions, the Smoky Mountain Rail Ride offers other attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Smoky Mountain Trains Museum
Included with your ticket, the museum features a collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars, and accessories, as well as an impressive operating layout.
Rail Runner Mountain Coaster
Located at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, the Rail Runner Mountain Coaster offers a thrilling ride with 1,600 feet of downhill twists and turns at speeds up to 25 mph.
Timings and Cost
The duration and cost of the Smoky Mountain Rail Ride excursions vary depending on the specific experience. Be sure to check the website for current pricing, packages, and schedule information.
Directions and Contact
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot is located in downtown Bryson City, North Carolina, at 45 Mitchell Street. For more information or to book your Smoky Mountain Rail Ride adventure, you can contact the railroad at 800-872-4681 or visit their website at www.gsmr.com.
References
- https://www.romanticasheville.com/great_smoky_mountain_railroad.htm
- https://anakeesta.com/rail-runner/
- https://gsmr.com
- https://www.explorebrysoncity.com/things-to-do/trains-railroad/
- https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/tours/smoky-mountain-rail-adventure/